'Tis the Season
'Tis the season of office parties, latke-filled family fetes, and evenings at Radio City Music Hall. With so many fun events on the horizon, you may find yourself stressing about what to wear. Holiday dressing can offer some challenges such as: how to look festively chic without being overdressed or inappropriate. A cleavage baring sequined dress just won't do when your boss is in attendance. Such frocks are better suited for New Years Eve. But, just because you need to look professionally acceptable or family friendly doesn't mean you should be boring or basic. Here are some tips that will help you create a look that is fabulous and fun but won't offend your boss, rabbi, priest, or conservative mother-in-law:
- As a general rule of thumb, separates are easier to work with for that "in-between" sort of attire that's not quite "daytime professional," but not quite "cocktail."
- Keep the outfit classy and leave the sparkle to the accents and accessories, as too much shine can come across as aggressive. Stay away from anything made of solid-sequins.
- Stay interesting by pairing textured season-chic fabrics like brocade, leather, cashmere, and/or fur. For example, a leather skirt with an embellished cashmere turtleneck, or a longline fur vest over a brocade shift dress. Make sure hemlines aren't too short (just above or just below the knee is a good idea, depending on your height) and add textured tights or sheer hose if so desired.
- Let your personality shine with your accessories. Because I like an edgier look, I added a bootie and leather jacket to keep this full skirt from looking too sweet. Even though these pieces have an edge, they are still classy because the bootie isn't sky-high with a platform and the cropped cut of the jacket is more blazer than biker. The pearl jewels and crystal clutch add the perfect party pizazz.
Stay tuned for another look featuring holiday party separates coming soon!
Skirt: Alice & Olivia, Top: Pia Pauro, Jacket: H&M, Clutch: Judith Leiber (available at AMUZE.com for an AMAZING deal), Bootie: Pedro Garcia, Earrings and Cuff: Erickson Beamon (e-mail ExcessoriesExpert@gmail.com to special order)